The Columbian

Northwest

Fake cop kidnaps, sexually assaults and locks woman in cell in Oregon garage, feds say

January 20, 2025, 2:05pm Northwest

A 31-year-old is going to prison after being convicted of kidnapping a woman in Washington and sexually assaulting her in Oregon, federal officials said. Read story

New hate-crime hotline is under way in 3 Washington counties

January 20, 2025, 12:05pm Northwest

A new law took effect Jan. 1 in Washington that establishes a hotline to report and track hate crimes and bias incidents. Read story

Michigan State University graduate student Lily “Kaz” Christian (left) and horticulture professor Steve Van Nocker (right) take a sample from a Malus coronaria tree Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Meridian Township, Mich.

A key to protecting apples from climate change might be hiding in Michigan’s forests

January 20, 2025, 11:47am Northwest

In the quest to make apple trees more resilient in a warming climate, some Michigan researchers are looking for a late bloomer. Read story

New WA board needed to ‘build trust’ in nuclear as electric demand grows, says lawmaker

January 20, 2025, 10:48am Newsletter

Without nuclear energy there is no credible path to a carbon-free or thriving economy in Washington, according to a Tri-Cities state legislator. Read story

The Washington state Capitol building in Olympia, on Feb. 7, 2024.

Newly styled fashion bill debuts on Washington’s legislative runway

January 20, 2025, 10:00am Latest News Free

Some Washington lawmakers want the fashion industry to be less “clothes-minded” about sharing information on their environmental and labor practices. Read story

New homes are under construction Ridgefield.

What does it mean when the median age of the first-time homebuyer is nearly 40 years old?

January 20, 2025, 6:05am Business

As if we needed more discouraging news about the housing market, here’s this: The median age of the first-time home buyer rose to an all-time high of 38 years old in 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. Read story

The minimum age to get a tattoo in Oregon or Washington is 18, no exceptions.

Is it legal for a child to get a tattoo in Washington? Here is what state law says

January 20, 2025, 6:05am Latest News

Have you ever wondered how young is too young for someone to get a tattoo? Read story

Second bill filed to limit Washington governor’s authority to approve new wind, solar projects

January 19, 2025, 1:46pm Northwest

A second bill has been filed that is intended to reduce the governor’s authority to approve new wind and solar energy projects across Washington state. Read story

While Washington regulators created new rules to protect farmworkers who harvest during the heat and smoke, worker advocates say the protections fall far short of what’s necessary.

Can Washington’s farms survive? Labor shortages and deportation fears threaten agriculture

January 19, 2025, 6:05am Business

In Washington State, agriculture is a cornerstone of the local economy, and labor shortages in agriculture have become a pressing concern. With the potential for mass deportations under policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, farmers in Washington are facing tough questions. Could the state’s agricultural sector survive by depending on… Read story

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a primary election night party at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C., Feb. 24, 2024.

Should WA cooperate with Trump deportation plans? Poll shows voters are split

January 19, 2025, 6:05am Latest News

When it comes to President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport migrants who are in the United States illegally, how should Washington and its cities respond — cooperate or resist? Read story